"What's going on? Why does Mom keep smiling when we're worried about her?" they all thought, looking at each other in surprise.
After that, Lady Wei Meixue, Crown Prince Wei Long, and the other princes immediately rushed to the inn where they were staying. Upon arrival, they immediately headed to the dining room for breakfast, which had been delayed because their mother wasn't in her room.
"Mom, now explain it to us," Crown Prince Wei Long said in a serious tone. "Why did you suddenly leave the inn without informing me and the others? We were all worried to death, do you know that?"
Wei Meixue smiled gently, looking at her eldest son. "Crown Prince Wei Long, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. This morning, I just wanted to take a short walk without an escort. I thought I'd just take a quick look at the Chang'an market. But who would have thought, I'd be robbed."
The atmosphere in the dining room immediately became tense.
"What? You've been robbed?" exclaimed Prince Wei Tan, shocked. "Is Mom hurt? Where does it hurt? Let me call the imperial physician right now, or I'll treat her myself!" he said, rushing over to his mother.
"Yes, Mom!" Prince Wei Lian continued angrily. "Tell me who the robbers are! I'll find them and kill them myself for daring to touch the royal blood of the Lu Empire!"
"Hey… hey, you guys," Wei Meixue interrupted in a slightly sharp tone. "Listen to me first. Did I mention you were injured, huh?"
Her three sons immediately fell silent, looking at each other awkwardly.
"Ah… no, Mom," Wei Tan replied softly, scratching the back of his neck. "We were just acting out of reflex, worried."
"You guys, always in such a rush," Wei Meixue said, shaking her head, but a gentle smile lingered on her face. "Now listen carefully, Mother. This morning, Mom was robbed, but surprisingly, she felt very happy afterward."
"Happy?" Wei Lian tilted his head, confused. "Since when does being robbed make anyone happy, especially you?"
"That's right," Wei Long replied quietly. "You're usually very careful, but this time seems different. You've been smiling all this time. What exactly happened, Mom?"
Wei Meixue chuckled, her eyes sparkling as if remembering something pleasant. "Ahh, Mom is truly happy today. Earlier, when Mom was robbed, none of the villagers dared to help. They just watched, and some even looked afraid. But… someone suddenly appeared and helped Mom."
"Someone?" Wei Long repeated curiously. "Who is she, Mom?"
"She's a young woman," Wei Meixue replied excitedly. "But no ordinary woman. She wore a veil, her body slender, but her movements were swift and decisive. She fought the robber like a trained warrior. Imagine, a woman, yet she could knock down a man twice her size. Mom could hardly believe what she was seeing."
"You mean, Mom, she's a warrior?" Wei Tan asked.
"Perhaps," Wei Meixue replied, "or perhaps more than that. What's clear is that she possesses extraordinary strength and courage. Bom has never seen anyone like her before."
Wei Lian leaned back in his chair, staring at his mom with great interest. "Hahaha, very interesting. So that woman fought off the robber for my mom? That's truly rare. Usually, people just run away in fear."
"Yes," Wei Long replied, nodding slowly. "A woman like that is definitely unusual. Do you know who she really is?"
Wei Meixue smiled mysteriously. "I know. When she was picking up my mom dropped money pouch, the robber pulled down her veil. And when the veil fell…"
She paused, her eyes sparkling as if recalling an extraordinary beauty. "You won't believe it. That woman's face… was so beautiful. In fact, her beauty was so deadly. She was like a goddess descended from the heavens, conquering the world with just one glance."
"That beautiful?" Wei Tan asked incredulously. "Aren't you exaggerating?"
"No," Wei Meixue replied quickly. "You know I'm not the type to be easily charmed. But that woman is different. There's something about her—a strength, a calmness, and a cold aura that captivates everyone. When I look at her, I feel like I'm witnessing a heavenly scene."
Wei Lian smiled mischievously. "Ah, I'm curious. If she's really that beautiful and amazing, I want to see her for myself. Who knows…" he chuckled, "…I might even make her fall in love with me."
Wei Long snickered softly. "You're shameless, Wei Lian. Don't just talk nonsense, especially if she really is as extraordinary as your mom says."
"Hahaha, I was just kidding," Wei Lian replied, though his eyes still glinted with curiosity. "But honestly, I'm curious about how strong that woman is. A veiled woman who can take down a robber with her bare hands is no ordinary thing."
"Mother, did that woman tell you her name?" Wei Long asked seriously.
"Yes," Wei Meixue replied with a gentle smile. "Her name is Lu Chen."
"Lu Chen…" Wei Long murmured, his eyes narrowing. "That's a powerful, cold-sounding name."
"She's indeed cold," Wei Meixue added quickly. "Cold, but elegant. The way she speaks, the way she walks, everything is full of authority. Even when she stared at the robber, everyone in the market seemed to freeze in fear."
Wei Meixue smiled proudly. "Now you know why Mother is so happy. Meeting someone like her in person is a rare experience."
Wei Long stared at his mother for a long moment. "Mother, is she really from the Lu Empire? If so, then she's no ordinary person."
"Yes," his mother replied. "I even thought… if only she could become part of our family."
Wei Lian laughed softly. "Mother wants to make her your daughter-in-law?"
"Why not?" Wei Meixue smiled. "She's strong, beautiful, dignified, and will definitely be able to bravely protect the royal family. A daughter-in-law like that, what could be more perfect?"
"Wow, I'm truly captivated," Wei Tan joked, holding back laughter. "But I can't blame you. If she were truly as beautiful as a goddess, I might even fall in love."
"You guys," Wei Long said, half annoyed but smiling. "Never mind, I'll confirm the truth of what you've told me. I want to meet that woman named Lu Chen in person."
"Okay," Wei Meixue said, standing up. "But remember, don't judge her carelessly. Just from her eyes, I can tell she's no ordinary woman. She has scars, she has strength, and there's something I can't explain."
The three of them nodded seriously.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, in a simple house in a corner of Chang'an City, Lu Chen suddenly let out a small sneeze.
"Hachi! Strange… why did I suddenly sneeze?" he muttered softly, rubbing his nose. "Is someone talking about me?"
Shortly after, Jimin entered the room carrying several shopping bags.
"Princess, I brought all of these."
Lu Chen stared at her for a moment, then nodded. "Just put them there. After that, prepare some tea. I want to rest for a while."
"Okay, Princess?" Jimin said.